PETA slam Jackson's animal plans

The pop superstar will kick off his This Is It run at London's O2 Arena this summer (Jul09) and is reportedly working on ideas to make the 50-date tour as memorable as possible.

British newspaper the Daily Mirror reports Jackson is planning a nature theme for the concerts - with live creatures featuring heavily in the shows.

A source tells the publication, "He hopes to make it the most spectacular gig ever. For the jungle section, he wants to ride out on an African elephant with panthers led on gold chains. Parrots and other birds will fly behind him. If it goes to plan it will look incredible.?

But the idea has infuriated campaigners at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), who are urging the singer to ditch the plans.

In a statement issued to WENN, they say, "These exotic animals belong in Africa, not the O2 Arena among screaming fans, bright lights and stage explosions. These wild animals are deprived of everything that is natural and important to them when they are forced to perform under stressful conditions. Michael needs to learn to leave exotic animals alone."

Jackson has previously come under fire from PETA supporters for the menagerie of animals he kept in his private zoo at his Neverland ranch in California.